Water testing in central Queensland all clear

Published Tuesday, 28 February, 2017 at 05:55 AM

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef
The Honourable Steven Miles

Water quality testing across the Fitzroy Basin has now concluded with the final laboratory analysis for two rivers east of Emerald showing that water quality in the region remains high.

This news comes after Rockhampton and Moura’s waterways were also cleared of any water quality concerns.

Minister for Environment Dr Steven Miles said the Premier hosted a town hall meeting in Rockhampton on 31 January. At the meeting a local resident expressed concern about polluted waterways in the region.

“The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) carried out tests at four major rivers in Central Queensland the next day,” Dr Miles said.

“The officers examined the waterways and collected water quality samples in the Nogoa River, Mackenzie River, Dawson River and Fitzroy River.

“Results from testing in the Nogoa River at Bridge Flats and Mackenzie River at both Riley's Crossing and Bedford Weir showed no major concerns:

·     pH was within normal range – 8.0 (Nogoa River), 7.8 (Riley’s  Crossing) and 7.9 (Bedford Weir)

·     Electrical conductivity (a measure of salinity) was a good low result at all locations – 292 us/cm (Nogoa River), 421 us/cm (Riley’s Crossing) and 508 us/cm (Bedford Weir)

·     The dissolved metals at all locations presented no significant concerns.

“I’m very happy with the prompt response that EHP officers took to address the concerns of the community,” Dr Miles said.

Member for Mirani Jim Pearce said EHP takes complaints from members of the public very seriously and can respond quickly to local reports of pollution.

“While coal mines in the Central Queensland region could release water from their sites under strict conditions, no coal mines in Central Queensland are currently releasing,” Mr Pearce said.

“As well, no mines were releasing water at the time the complaint was made.

“Members of the community concerned about potential environmental harm are encouraged to contact the EHP’s pollution hotline on 1300 130 372,” he said.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909